Police training awaits donated puppy

Breeder offered dog after K-9 shooting

Faced with a life of police patrols, chasing suspects and drug hunts, the Spokane Police Department’s newest recruit has just one thing to do for the next few months: play.

Ajax, a two-month-old German shepherd, is due for lots of tug of war in a newly reinstated police puppy training program after his breeder, Nikolay Lungu of Pullman, donated him to the Spokane Police Department.

Touched by the recent shooting of now-retired police dog Var, Lungu, owner of the Pullman-based German Shepherd breeding business I-Guard International, said he agreed to donate the puppy after being contacted by Spokane K-9 trainer Shawn Kendall.

Ajax will be raised by Officer Jay Kernkamp for about a year, then live with a trained police K-9 handler once he’s ready for patrol. Lungu recommended Ajax because of his dominant personality.